"I want to applaud the President's plan to provide America's veterans with the additional job support they need and undoubtedly have earned. The proposal he announced today will help lower veteran unemployment and ensure that service members leave the military career-ready.

Montgomery County has been a leader in this effort. In 2009, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Foundation created the Veterans Institute for Procurement (VIP). Now a nationwide program, it helps give veteran-owned businesses the tools they need to compete for government contracts. These kinds of local initiatives, coupled with a federal effort, will make great strides in helping the brave men and women who have served our nation find the jobs they deserve."

-Congressman Chris Van Hollen

VIP Testimonials

“When I started Cyber Management Systems in the spring 2014, I began the search for knowledge on how to create a strategy to build the foundation for a strong and long lasting company. I found that the majority of the literature and information readily available, free or at cost, was geared towards how to manage someone else’s business. Ninety-nine percent of college courses and books on the shelf are geared towards business management and not towards creating a business. VIP Start armed me with the tools to ensure that Cyber Management Systems has a solid foundation to grow. I can’t wait to grow my business so that I can attend VIP GROW!!”

"Thank you so much for creating the VIP Start program! The VIP curriculum team did an excellent job creating interesting and relevant information to help the class grow as government contractors. Additionally, the networking opportunities and professional mentors that participated will definitely help me take my business to the next level."

“The VIP Start program exceeded my expectations, and was exactly what I needed. This program has given me the tools, resources and connections that will help build my company and hopefully I will be able to participate in VIP Grow in the near future.”

“I’ve been in commercial business for 30 years, and before the program, I didn’t know what I didn’t know about federal procurement. After VIP Start, I now have the tools to succeed in the federal marketplace.”

“I want to personally thank you and your team for a very well organized and valuable Course. What your team has done for Veterans is truly special and more importantly a network that is essential for every veteran owner to compete to get to the next level! I was so impressed with this Course that I will be…recommending a few other companies…. On behalf of Venergy Group, myself, and all the others that participated in the course…. THANK YOU very much!!”

“The program is one of the kind and it really addressed the key areas that are important to the success of any small businesses working with the Federal, State and Local Governments. Thank you for your efforts and your passion.”

“The VIP program was one of the most informative, resourceful and remarkable procurement training that I’ve had the honor and opportunity to attend in years. I found the VIP program to be in the top 1% in government procurement training. I would highly recommend all veterans in business to attend the VIP program course. The VIP program was invaluable to my procurement development and knowledge base, future growth and business success. The VIP staff, operation, professionalism and commitment to quality is world class. This was a positive experience, which speaks volumes in the Veterans community in procurement training. The distinguished instructors had impeccable credentials and were the very bestin their field of expertise! I wasn’t prepared to get the personalized attention and consistency to procurement details that I’ve received at this VIP program training. This VIP program experience was simply amazing! Thank You and keep up the Exceptional Work!”

"The amount of information in the VIP Program is intense! In 3 days I was given 30 hours of training that was invaluable to my business. It gave me the knowledge to understand the complexity of Government Contracting and what I needed to do to successfully bid on jobs. It helped me to create relationships with other Veteran Owned Companies with different skills enabling all of us to work together to improve our companies. It "GAVE" me a network of Veterans that I can work with to combine my companies expertise and services with the knowledge, experience and resources of other Veterans so that we can all successfully bid and WIN Government Contracts. Within 6 days of Graduating the VIP Program I was able to successfully bid on two different contracts for pressure washing Federal Buildings. Even if I don't WIN these contracts, I know that if I combine my companies 26 years of training and experience in the pressure washing industry with the knowledge I learned in the VIP Program, I can help Government agencies by showing them safer methods for pressure washing, and to WIN pressure washing contracts in the near future!"

"The Veteran Institute for Procurement is a phenomenal program that is a win-win for the federal government and prime contractors, and for the small veteran-owned businesses that it serves. Companies that participate in VIP emerge well-positioned for greater success in Federal contracting, and, ultimately, help to ensure that we have more qualified veteran-owned businesses competing for contract opportunities. We’re very appreciative of the leadership of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation in launching this vital program and in expanding it now nationwide.”

"The Veteran Institute for Procurement is a phenomenal program that is a win-win for the federal government and prime contractors, and for the small veteran-owned businesses that it serves. Companies that participate in VIP emerge well-positioned for greater success in Federal contracting, and, ultimately, help to ensure that we have more qualified veteran-owned businesses competing for contract opportunities. We’re very appreciative of the leadership of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation in launching this vital program and in expanding it now nationwide.”

- Mauricio Vera
OSDBU Director, U.S. Agency for International Development

"Not only are veterans well suited to be leaders in business, they are especially well suited to support our federal government solve some of its toughest challenges. The Veteran Institute for Procurement is a great example of community, government and private sector organizations coming together for one purpose - to help veteran-owned businesses from around the nation be even more competitive in the government contracting arena."

Former Director, U.S. Small Business Administration's Washington Metropolitan Area District Office "It's an honor to be associated with the Veteran Institute for Procurement. I am grateful to the Montgomery County Chamber Foundation for supporting the launch of VIP in Frederick. VIP Grow will provide timely and effective opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs to gain the access and tools to successfully compete for federal government contracts. Veterans have historically demonstrated their success in business in both the domestic and global marketplace…VIP's effort to provide the training and a network for our veteran-owned businesses has my unconditional support. It’s a win-win for our country and taxpayers when the federal government buys the innovative programs and services developed by local small business entrepreneurs.”

- Former Representative Roscoe Bartlett
6th District of Maryland

"I truly was amazed by the program, and am so very, very glad to have been able to attend. I look forward to maintaining my relationship with MCCCF. Thanks again, very professional program, well executed and enjoyable.

"The recent VIP course I attended was hands down the best course I have ever attended, thank you for the opportunity to attend. The quality of the instructors, the course material and the facility were all topnotch. I may not become the next Catapult but you have certainly given me the tools to do it. I hope one day I will be in a position to pay it forward. Thanks."

“Just wanted to let you know that as of 8/27/12 we are officially on a Mentor Protégé Program with the Department of the Navy & Lockheed Martin Owego, NY. Wanted to thank you & your program for all your help. I believe the information I got there was a big help.”

“I have taken part in many Veteran Small business conferences but they are not geared well toward established businesses. They are more "101". This particular program gives outstanding real world examples and solutions to very common government business challenges and also gives its members direct contact with professionals that can help.”